Director of Compliance

Description
Job Title: Director, Compliance
Reports To: Executive Director of Operations
Location: Riyadh (KSA), with travel as necessary to other operating jurisdictions
Direct Reports: N/A
About j. awan & partners

At j. awan & partners, we believe in challenging the status quo every day, delivering seamless excellence to our customers across the world. We create tailor-made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients' business interests, delivering solutions with effective simplicity. We understand that time is precious, so our solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed, and simple to use.
We are a fast-growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultancy headquartered in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). We also have our own technology company creating bespoke, cutting-edge Reg Tech solutions. Our business presence covers multiple jurisdictions, with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar, and now South Africa. We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment, and Technology services to a large number of clients, including global, regional, and local financial services institutions, governments, and other industry partners.

As part of our global expansion plan, we are looking for an ambitious and agile professional with a strong background in Compliance to join our team.
Mission / Purpose of the Role The Director, Compliance will report to the Executive Director of Operations and oversee a portfolio of client mandates while ensuring the delivery of industry-leading regulatory compliance and AML/CTF programs across the KSA. The role is responsible for supporting clients in structuring and implementing robust compliance frameworks, maintaining strong regulatory alignment, and serving as a key point of coordination with relevant authorities.

The Director will also contribute to JAC's growth strategy by converting existing company relationships into new business opportunities and driving the expansion of the compliance practice across the KSA.
12-18 Month Mission Outcomes ("What Success Looks Like")

• Ensure full regulatory compliance with CMA requirements
  • All CMA filings submitted accurately and on time
  • No regulatory breaches
  • Successful completion of audits without major findings
• Implement and maintain a robust AML/CTF framework
  • 100% of client onboarding and monitoring processes comply with AML/CTF policies
  • Timely submission of SARs
  • Minimal compliance gaps identified in audits
• Provide strategic compliance and advisory support to clients
  • Positive client feedback on regulatory guidance
  • Enhanced client compliance programs with measurable improvements
• Strengthen business development and client engagement
  • New client acquisitions
  • Increased market share and revenue from compliance services
  • Successful representation at industry events
• Conduct internal training and awareness programs
  • Completion of scheduled compliance and AML/CTF training sessions
  • Staff demonstrate understanding through assessments or audits
• Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes
  • Regular compliance reviews completed
  • Identified gaps addressed with corrective action
  • Internal controls strengthened
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting
  • All compliance records, policies, and reports are audit-ready
  • Timely submission of regulatory filings
• Foster leadership, team development, and company culture
  • Team members trained and coached
  • High engagement scores; positive feedback from colleagues and clients
  • Strong promotion of JAC brand and culture
• Continuously improve compliance and AML/CTF systems
  • Implementation of new processes, tools, or automation
  • Measurable reduction in compliance risks
  • Adoption of industry best practices

Key Accountabilities Regulatory Compliance & Governance Responsibilities:
Act as primary contact with CMA; monitor and implement regulatory changes. Develop and update internal compliance policies and procedures. Conduct risk assessments and report to management and regulators.
Success Indicators:
No regulatory breaches. All CMA filings submitted accurately and on time. Audit findings minimal or resolved promptly.
AML/CTF & Risk Management Responsibilities:
Serve as MLRO; implement AML/CTF controls. Oversee client onboarding, CDD/EDD, and monitoring. Investigate suspicious transactions and maintain AML/CTF records.
Success Indicators: 100% compliance with AML/CTF procedures. Timely submission of SARs. Compliance gaps identified and remediated.
Business Development &…